Find & Apply For Business Development / Sales Manager Jobs in Oglesby, Illinois

Turn unforgettable events into unforgettable experiences—at one of Illinois' most iconic destinations. Starved Rock Lodge is looking for an energetic, creative, and results-driven Sales & Catering Manager to lead our Sales, Banquets, and Activities teams. Located in the heart of beautiful Starved Rock State Park, our historic lodge welcomes guests from across the region for weddings, celebrations, corporate retreats, group tours, special events, and weekend getaways. With more than 2.5 million visitors coming to the park each year, this is anything but your typical hospitality sales role. We're looking for someone who can sell the experience, lead a team, build relationships, and bring great ideas to life. If you love the thrill of closing a sale just as much as seeing a perfectly executed event come together, this could be your next adventure.

What You'll Do:

As Sales & Catering Manager, you'll take an active role in generating group and event business while overseeing the teams responsible for bringing those experiences to life. You'll manage approximately 25-30 associates across Sales, Banquets, and Activities and work closely with lodge leadership, food & beverage, and marketing teams.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead sales efforts for weddings, group events, meetings, banquets, activities, and other special events Develop and execute strategies to grow group business, event revenue, and room-night occupancy Build strong relationships with clients, vendors, referral partners, and community contacts Identify new markets, partnerships, and sales opportunities Establish sales goals and use performance data and trends to measure results and guide strategy Prepare sales budgets, projections, reports, and event-related metrics Oversee the planning and execution of group events from the sales process through completion Collaborate with the Executive Chef on event and banquet menu development Assist with event coordination and preparation Coordinate vendor logistics and event setup requirements Partner with Marketing on event promotion, collateral, social media campaigns, invitations, and website content Develop creative programs, workshops, and experiences that encourage guests to plan visits and book stays in advance Maintain a rolling annual calendar of programs and special events Lead, coach, schedule, and support approximately 25-30 associates across multiple departments Participate in regular sales and leadership meetings Ensure every client and guest interaction reflects the hospitality and professionalism of

Starved Rock Lodge What We're Looking For:

We need someone who is equal parts salesperson, relationship builder, organizer, creative thinker, and leader.

Our ideal candidate has:

Proven ability to establish sales goals and successfully drive results Strong sales instincts and the ability to confidently close business without using a high-pressure approach Excellent leadership and team-management skills Strong analytical skills with the ability to recognize sales trends and use data to make decisions Experience developing and implementing sales strategies Exceptional planning, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills A creative mindset and strong attention to detail Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills A customer-focused approach and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality Sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, tact, and diplomacy The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment The ability to work independently and make sound decisions Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business and event needs

Requirements:

Bachelor Degree in Sales, Business Management, or related field preferred Minimum of 5 years' experience working in the Sales or Hospitality field Illinois Food Manager License Illinois BASSET Certification Illinois Food Allergen Certification Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, and all other status protected by law.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person